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The 2023 film Adipurush, directed by Om Raut and inspired by the Indian epic Ramayana, became one of the year’s most debated releases. Despite the high expectations surrounding it, the film was met with intense criticism for its portrayal of characters and controversial dialogues. Saif Ali Khan, who played the role of Ravan, found himself at the center of this backlash. Fans were disappointed, and legal cases were even filed against Saif and director Om Raut for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.
In a recent interview, Saif Ali Khan shared his thoughts on the controversies surrounding Adipurush and why he now believes it’s best to steer clear of films with religious themes. Let’s delve into what Saif had to say and the lessons he’s learned from this experience.
The Controversy Surrounding Adipurush
Before its release, Adipurush was one of the most anticipated films of 2023. The film generated significant buzz, with Saif Ali Khan’s portrayal of Ravan being a major talking point. However, post-release, the film’s depiction of characters, certain scenes, and dialogues left many viewers dissatisfied. Audiences were quick to express their disappointment, and protests erupted over what was perceived as a disrespectful portrayal of religious figures.
Saif, who portrayed the antagonist Ravan, faced legal trouble when a lawyer in Uttar Pradesh filed a case against him and Om Raut, accusing them of hurting religious sentiments. The legal battles and public outrage made Saif reconsider his involvement in such sensitive films.
Saif Ali Khan on the Lessons Learned
In an interview with India Today, Saif Ali Khan opened up about the controversy and how it has impacted his career choices moving forward. He acknowledged the importance of being cautious when dealing with religious themes in cinema.
“There was a legal case, and the court ruled that actors are responsible for what they say on screen. I understand that not everyone is free to say or do whatever they want, and we all need to exercise self-control and be careful, or it could lead to trouble,” Saif explained.
This incident has made Saif more aware of the risks involved in taking on roles in films that touch on religious topics. The negative response to Adipurush and the subsequent legal issues have pushed him to reconsider his future projects and avoid roles that could stir similar controversies.
Sensitivity in Religious Films
Saif went on to emphasize the need for sensitivity when making films about religion. Reflecting on the Adipurush controversy, he highlighted that religious themes require a careful and thoughtful approach. “There are some areas, like religion, where you need to tread lightly. We’re not here to create conflict,” Saif said.
This isn’t the first time Saif has faced backlash for his work. His earlier project, the web series Tandav, also sparked controversy for its portrayal of political and religious themes. These experiences have shaped Saif’s perspective, leading him to be more selective about the roles he takes in the future.
Saif Ali Khan’s New Role in Devara
Despite the criticism surrounding Adipurush, Saif Ali Khan’s acting career continues to thrive. His latest film, Devara Part 1, hit the theaters on September 27, 2024. In this film, Saif plays the role of Bhaira, a negative character, alongside stars like Jr NTR and Janhvi Kapoor. Unlike Adipurush, Devara steers clear of religious themes, allowing Saif to focus on showcasing his talent in a less controversial setting.
Conclusion
The backlash from Adipurush has had a lasting impact on Saif Ali Khan. The legal challenges and public criticism have made him rethink his involvement in films that deal with religion. Moving forward, Saif has chosen to avoid such topics to prevent further controversies. Fans can look forward to seeing him in roles that challenge his acting abilities without the baggage of religious sensitivity, starting with his performance in Devara Part 1.
